Can't see trailer

[chambers1517]

What can I use to help while backing my trail in to load my boat? I have a lifted Excursion and the trailer is completely invisible to me with the boat off. I watch my mirrors but they only help when the trailer is turning.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Can't see trailer

I have the same problem with my jon boat trailer backing with a Durango, have to open the back lift gate and look out through the center too see it. If I try it with the mirrors, by the time I see the trailer it's too late to recover.

 

[sltintexas]

Re: Can't see trailer

the boat we have now has the tubes on the sides that guide you onto the trailer. It really helps the wife cuz she can see the trailer now.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Can't see trailer

do you have the extended tow mirrors? in most states its a law that you must have mirrors that allow you to see behind the trailer/boat.

 

[Bass Tracker TX17]

Re: Can't see trailer

I have heard ,can't remember where, of a pop up pole that folds over as you drive over while loading the boat. When you off load it pops up automatically to give you visual reference.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Can't see trailer

my previous toy was a waverunner. i towed it with a full size van. like you i couldn't see the trailer w/o the ski on it.
so i would go down the ramp in a slight turn so i could see the trailer. this would sometimes make me zigzag down the ramp. also. if ya can't see the trailer behind you. it must be going straight behind you. it has to be or you'd see it in your mirrors. use that notion to your advantage.

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: Can't see trailer

You can buy these and attach them to your trailer, or make 'em yourself out of PVC pipe.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Can't see trailer

Lots of places sell the hitch aligner things - basically a two poles with a magnet on one end and a tennis ball on the other. You could buy them and use them for both aligning your hitch (put one on your vehicle hitch, one on the boat hitch) and when the boat is off, plop one on each trailer fender.

I have the same issue with my small boat, and I just make sure that as I'm pulling down the ramp, it's on a constant turn. If I can't do that then I just watch the mirrors and snake my way back and forth on the way down.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Can't see trailer

I have the same issue with my small boat, and I just make sure that as I'm pulling down the ramp, it's on a constant turn. If I can't do that then I just watch the mirrors and snake my way back and forth on the way down.

yep, works very well too imho... and like i said, if ya can't see the trailer, it has to be directly behind you and your going straight..

on a side thought. how about one of them back up cameras they got now a days... then ya could see the trailer. if ya just gotta see it..

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Can't see trailer

I have the same problem. Here's what I use:

http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-7012900-Alignment-System/dp/B0016C5YF2

I put one on each fender so I can see where the trailer is. I mostly use it for its intended purpose-- aligning trailer hitch and trailer. Works great in both applications.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: Can't see trailer

Just open the back lift gate. Sometimes simple = better.

Grouse

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Can't see trailer

Right, open the back doors and fold down the seats...or whatever you gotta do. I like to even open my tailgate on my pickup, even though i can see above it, i just like the most visibility possible.

 

[badkins50]

Re: Can't see trailer

I was thinking maybe this is a great excuse to get a bigger boat. HAHA

 

[njrextreme]

Re: Can't see trailer

Made grandfather made his own markers. Two small pieces of angle iron and rebar w/ pvc pipe over the tops. They were on his trailor for as long as I can remember and work well to aim the boat on the trailor.

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Can't see trailer

Just open the back lift gate.....

That won't work for folks who have a tonneau cover (like me).

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Can't see trailer

I had the same problem. I tow with a trailblazer and always lost the trailer, it was a nightmare. Saw a tip on here about opening the back hatch, but you have to fold down the seats and...............waaahlaaaah you can see the trailer and man is it easy to back up then. So, open your hatch and fold your seats down and you got it.

 

[YankeeDiver]

Re: Can't see trailer

I have an expedition and a 17 maxum bow rider. I simply open the back and watch the trailer through the opening. I do not have to fold down my seats. It is not lifted so you might have to put your back seats down. This works really well when somoeone is trying to direct you. Very easy to hear them.

 

[nuboat2me]

Re: Can't see trailer

I used bicycle flags...

Two at a garage sale for 5 bucks.

A couple of large hose clamps just jammed in the clamps along side the frame.

Cheap and affective.. Just toss em in the truck when done...


My $.02...

YMMV

J

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Can't see trailer

I used bicycle flags...

I like that idea. Just jam a bicycle flag in real quick. I have a tahoe and a silverado. Tahoe doesn't have as wide a wheel base and gives me more trouble when backing. Silverado I just lower the tailgate (it prevents me from having to walk in the water too).

 

[RicMic]

Re: Can't see trailer

I have a 3/4 ton 4X4 pickup and I had the same problem, especially over on the river with a very narrow steep ramp. I couldn't see the trailer REGARDLESS once it started dropping at the top of the ramp and there just is not much room to zigzag down that ramp. So I made myself an alignment pole out of 1/2 PVC pipe, 1 cross and two pvc pipe clamps. Glued the four lengths of pipe into the cross, a short piece at the bottom to rest on the trailer frame. Two slightly longer pieces for the sides, that are clamped to the bottom of the bunks and the long piece on top for the "flag", the flag is the white lid from a plastic container and is tied on with a couple wire ties. Normally it lays flat under the boat, but when I need to back up the trailer, I just flip it up, the clamps supply enough tension to hold it in place and the boat just pushes it down. Total cost about $7.